Arunahcal Pradesh keens to preserve traditional names

Published: Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 11:35 [IST]

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Itanagar, Oct 24 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has asked for all the original and traditional names of important lakes and places in the state for submission, saying it needed the Centre's approval to maintain them.

He was responding to a suggestion by Lumla legislator Rev. T G Rinpoche on preserving the original nomenclature of every aspect of Tawang's culture, tradition and places at a meeting held at Tawang yesterday. The meeting was called to discuss modalities for celebrating Buddha Mahotsava from November 23 to 25.

Mr Khandu said an official document should be prepared, and assured that the army and the GREF would be asked to keep the original names of places.

The Mahotsava has brought name and fame to this religious township besides putting it on the global tourism map, Mr Khandu said.

The main emphasis of the festival should be to promote the tourism, and to preserve and maintain the state's traditional art and culture, he said. He called upon the people, especially hoteliers, shopkeepers and taxi operators to show courtesy, hospitality and honesty towards the tourists.